Production Supervisor (Fit-Up & Welding) – 2nd Shift – Fort Worth, TX

JOB SUMMARY:

The Fit-Up & Welding Supervisor oversees all welding and fit-up operations for the fabrication of utility poles, traffic & lighting poles, sign structure poles and structural assemblies. This position is responsible for ensuring weld quality, dimensional accuracy, and schedule adherence while maintaining compliance with AWS D1.1, customer specifications, and company standards. The supervisor provides direct, hands-on leadership for a single shift of welders and fit-up personnel and ensures that work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved welding procedures (WPS).

This position reports to Plant Superintendent.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

1. Supervise daily welding and fit-up activities for utility poles, traffic & lighting poles, sign structure poles and structural assemblies, including SAW and FCAW processes.
2. Directly manage welders, fitters, and helpers — providing daily assignments, training, and performance feedback.
3. Ensure compliance with AWS D1.1, company welding procedures, and customer-specific requirements.
4. Coordinate workflow and scheduling with Plant Superintendent, Project Planning, and Quality to meet takt time and delivery goals.
5. Oversee fit-up operations for pole seams, circumferential joints, base plates, and flanges to maintain proper alignment and weld preparation.
6. Verify setup, parameters, and wire/flux combinations for SAW and FCAW machines (inside and outside seam welders, manipulators, rotators, etc.).
7. Monitor welding operations for attachments, stiffeners, gussets, and other structural components to ensure sound weld quality.
8. Inspect first-article welds and fit-ups for dimensional accuracy and compliance with drawings before production runs continue.
9. Promote proper weld sequencing and heat control practices to minimize distortion and rework.
10. Issue and track maintenance work orders for welding machines, manipulators, positioners, and base-plate preheaters.
11. Reinforce company safety standards including PPE use, lockout/tagout, and hot-work procedures.
12. Communicate daily production goals, progress, and issues to plant management and support continuous improvement activities.
13. Lead 5S and lean manufacturing practices within the welding area.
14. Ensure traceability of materials, weld procedures, and heat numbers for all work performed.
15. Perform administrative reporting such as production logs, weld maps, and nonconformance tracking.
16. Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED; minimum 5 years of experience in welding/fabrication with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Completion of AWS welding certifications or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
• Equivalent work experience and technical training may be accepted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Extensive experience in SAW and FCAW processes.
• Proficiency in welding of large-diameter pole sections, flanges, and structural components.
• Familiarity with AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and WPS/PQR documentation.
• Knowledge of heat input control, preheat/interpass temperature requirements, and distortion management.
• Ability to lead and train welders and fitters on proper setup, technique, and inspection practices.
• Understanding of weld quality standards, visual inspection criteria, and NDE acceptance limits.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to coordinate across departments.
• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and reporting.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish is a plus.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful candidates must submit to post offer pre-employment physical examination/medical history check.
• Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license is a requirement for this job.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Exposure to extreme heat, welding fumes, grinding dust, and high noise levels typical of heavy fabrication environments.
• Moderate to heavy physical activity; standing and walking for long periods and lifting components up to 50 lbs.
• Strict compliance with safety procedures and PPE is mandatory.